Posts Tagged ‘Sports and Media’

The NFL “Collective Bargaining Agreement” (CBA) is set to expire, Thursday at 11:59. Numerous sources are indicating that a lockout is almost certain. The International Sports Professionals Association is interested in how the lockout will affect professionals whom work with athletes. Sports Professionals, if there is no NFL this upcoming season do you anticipate your business to be effected? Please respond to this blog with your comments.

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What is ISPA Organizational Membership?– ETHICS. PASSION. SERVICE. This is the mantra of the ISPA Organizational Membership Program. Proudly displayed on the ISPA Organizational Membership plaque, these are the values that embody an ISPA Organizational Member. As the world’s largest and leading international accreditation body for professionals and academic institutions serving athletes and academic communities, ISPA has been elevating the standards of professional practice in the sporting world for over 20 years. Now, it is ISPA’s our mission to do the same for the organizations that serve it. Through aligning organizations with ISPA, we seek to foster a positive environment for the athletic community and as a result raise the standards of service provide to athletes worldwide. An ISPA Organizational Membership is a cost effective way to gain both domestic and international exposure for your organization. An organization with an ISPA Organizational Membership adds prestige and an added layer of credibility to its operation. ISPA Organizational Members show their commitment to excellence to the public while also benefiting from a multitude of professional benefits for use by the organization itself and its employees.

What professional benefits does an ISPA Organizational Member receive? – In addition to recognition by ISPA as a best practices, elite organization serving the athletic community and alignment with the world’s largest and leading international sports accreditation authority, ISPA Organizational Members also receive the following professional resources, opportunities and benefits:

>> ISPA Organizational Membership plaque for display at facilities>> A listing in the semiannually published International Journal of Sport and Ethics>> Opportunity for employees to contribute articles and research to the International Journal of Sport and Ethics>> Subscription to the International Journal of Sport and Ethics>> Listing with organization’s logo and linkage on ISPA’s website>> “Careers In Sports” 3-course CEU training program for all employees of the organization>> Opportunity to contribute news, special offers and other announcements on the ISPA blog>> 25% discount on professional and specialty certifications and products through ISPA for all employees>> Use of ISPA logo and Organizational Membership badge for any and all marketing and strategic outreach purposes>> worldwide promotion of your organization through ISPA outreach

What is the cost of ISPA Organizational Membership? – ISPA Organizational Membership fees are determined based on the number of full-time employees in the organization. ISPA Organizational Membership starts at $175 per year (or $14.58 per month) for 20 or fewer full-time employees. Fees can be invoiced on an annual or monthly basis. Discounts for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations are also available (please inquire for rates). Please click here for the full pricing structure of ISPA Organizational Membership.

How do I become an ISPA Organizational Member? – Simply visit www.theISPA.org, scroll over the “ISPA for Organizations” tab, click “Applications” and fill out the short application either online or download it and send it to ISPA Corporate Headquarters in Chicago, IL. Click here to be linked directly to the applications page.

*** SPECIAL OFFER ***

from now until 3/10/11, receive two (2) years of ISPA Organizational Membership for the price of one (1) year! Apply today at www.theISPA.org to take advantage of this offer!

We Challenge YOU to Find A Professional Association That Offers More Value!

For more information on the ISPA Organizational Membership Program,
Please visit the ISPA website at www.theISPA.org

If you have any further questions or would like to speak with an ISPA representative,
please call ISPA at (312) 920-9522 or email us at OrgMember@theispa.org

According to a recent article published by ADVANCE for Physical Therapy Practitioners®, the feature on the Certified Workers’ Compensation Healthcare Provider credential entitled “Should you take the CWcHP Exam” (published on September 20 2010) ranked third on its list of the top 10 news stories of 2010. The article features interviews of ISPA Director of Business Development, Andrew Teunis, and provides a detailed objective overview of the certification’s development, components and the current issues it aims to address.

We recently returned from the National Workers’ Compensation and Disability Conference® & Expo in Las Vegas. It was a pleasure meeting so many great people. We were really blown away by the wealth of knowledge we encountered. An estimated 3,000 people attended the conference! This was a tremendous opportunity for ISPA to raise awareness not only about the CWcHP Exam, but also for the organization as a whole. We look forward to seeing you at the next convention!

In another blemish on the face of pro cycling, Alberto Contador, three time Tour de France winner, has been suspended from cycling for suspicion of taking a banned substance. This allegation is based on small amounts of the steroid Clenbuterol that were found in Contador’s blood. Along with this allegation the French publication L’Equipe is now reporting that traces of plastic, that are used in transfusions bags, have also been found in Contador’s blood. Both claims are still under investigation, however, based on the finding of Clenbuterol in Contador’s blood he will be suspended until further notice.

Contador is claiming that the Clenbuterol found in his blood was due to tainted steak he consumed during the 2010 Tour de France. Some experts have concurred that this is a plausible story, noting that occasionally cows are injected with Clenbuterol. However, others have noted that the likelihood that the Clenbuterol in steak would have survived the cooking process and then survived in Contador’s system is unlikely. It seems very suspicious that Contador is able to pinpoint the cause of Clenbuterol being in his blood so quickly. When pro cyclist Floyd Landis (self admitted blood doper) was accused of blood doping, he immediately put fourth numerous, some very compelling, explanations that lead to the negative test results. It is hard not to be skeptical of Contador when many individuals before him were initially so convincing of their innocence, but eventually would be proven guilty. I hope Alberto Contador is innocent not only for his sake but for the sake of cycling.

Regardless of the outcome, this story it is yet another blow for the already reeling sport of cycling. Another champion has the cloud of drugs hanging over him. With all the clouds hovering over the sport of cycling it is becoming hard to see the stars.

The National Certification Examination for Workers’ Compensation Healthcare Providers: An Evidence-Based Approach (CWcHP)™, originally developed by the International Sports Professionals Association – ISPA™ in June of 2010, was just featured in Advance for Occupational Therapy Practitioners® on September 20, 2010! This article, entitled “Should you take the CWcHP Exam?”, features a great overview of the certification’s content, purpose and history as well as the current issues it aims to address. The full article can be read by visiting the following link:

ISPA/NP2 Publishing was established to provide an avenue for sports professionals to publish their works and to have access to the works of other sports professionals. ISPA/NP2 welcomes submissions from all professionals and being a credentialed professional by The International Sports Professionals Association does not guarantee a work will be accepted for publication. Being an ISPA credentialed sports professional and/or provisionally credentialed professional does get priority consideration in the review process.

Traditional book publishing is undergoing a transformation with electronic publishing and the current global economic conditions. It is more difficult than ever for authors to get their works published. Yet, publishing remains a highly desirable way to advance a professional career for the academic professional as well as for the clinical professional. ISPA is strident in helping professionals build their careers; therefore, this alliance with AuthorHouse Publishing makes publishing accessible, streamlined, and efficient. Authors share with ISPA in the initial risk of publishing accepted works and can choose from a variety of sales and marketing programs to promote their works. Authors retain copyright to their work. Author royalties will vary based on the price and marketability of each book/manual/monograph but are higher than traditional (old school) publishing houses that often range from 3-10%. The following options outline the possibilities of publishing through ISPA and AuthorHouse.

ISPA can act as a sales agent by listing your work on our web site. Our web site receives international traffic and can be highly desirable for your career and your sales. In addition, through our alliance with AuthorHouse Publishing, ISPA and AuthorHouse can serve as a distributor and production resource for those professionals who have self-published or retain copyright to their work. Production is on an ‘on-demand’ basis. Costs for such services are determined based on each individual project presented to ISPA. Authors interested in such services must have their work approved through the ISPA editorial

As president of the International Sports Professionals Association (ISPA) I feel compelled to weigh in on the Carlos Zambrano incident. Carlos Zambrano’s behavior has made international headlines. His recent outburst of rage in the dugout during a professional baseball game is one of many incidents of acting out that is known by the media. Reportedly he is receiving treatment for his anger issues. Now treatment professionals are chiming in about his treatment. The details of this treatment are confidential, thus professionals cannot accurately comment on the outcome of his treatment. Like many, I have read some comments by ‘experts.’ I would just caution all that we treatment professionals can do wonders with athletes in helping them mature and cope, BUT, unless there is some change in how the system surrounding Carlos Zambrano responds to his behavior, the prognosis for lasting change in Mr. Zambrano is limited. In my very limited view of how the Chicago Cubs has dealt with Carlos and other players through the years I have questions whether they will make these systematic changes. Can the Chicago Cubs reward team play? Discipline acting-out behavior? Control poor sportsmanship? These and others are questions that require analysis of the system along with the analysis Carlos Zambrano is going through. The triggers to his behavior need to be removed if he is to return to normal functioning. This is a known fact in rehabilitation of these individuals, athletes or not. I have been acclaimed for over 25 years for helping young people with anger management problems, violence and acting-out.I urge all involved in sports to use this situation as a learning tool to help other athletes, teams and organizations. I have so much more I can say about this feel free to contact me.

May 26-28 at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI.

ISPA is participating in an exciting conference, “A Mirror Of Our Culture: Sport and Society in America” May 26-28 at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. Dr. Mayer will be presenting on multiple topics. (Link to conference: https://www.snc.edu/sportandsociety/schedule.html). We encourage you to look at the link, and if any ISPA professionals would like to co-present with ISPA, please contact Justin Mayer at Justin@thesportsprofessionals.com ASAP. General registration opens on February 1st.

“A Mirror of Our Culture: Sport and Society in America” is a distinctive, intimate, and affordable three-day event that provides opportunities for sports academics and professionals working in sports-related fields to network and to share their expertise about American sports. The conference will cover the following issues:

• Economic Issues in Sports

• Sports History

• Amateur and College Athletics

• The Business of Sports

• The Sociology of Sports

• Sports and Education

• Sports Communications

• Sports and Race

The conference includes a number of elements meant to create a unique experience for all those who participate and attend. Paul Tagliabue, former Commissioner (CEO) of the National Football League, and Carl Vogel, Partner of SCP Worldwide, will give major addresses offering their perspective on “Sports in America” and “The Future of American Sports.” Dr. Robert Kustra, President of Boise State University, will be presenting “Modern College Athletics: A View from the Top.” Also, Kevin B. Blackistone of ESPN’s “Around the Horn” and the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland will be speaking on “Race and Sports in America.” Academics and practitioners will be able to network with each other and to give and hear papers and presentations on a wide range topics related to American sports.

The conference will also include a gallery exhibition of the finest American sports photography, and a juried festival of sports-themed films and videos.